Giegler wins 138th

Published 7:00 pm, Monday, November 3, 2008

Unofficial numbers from Democrat headquarters that did not include absentee ballots showed Giegler with 4,791 votes to Melillo's 4,417.

Shortly after receiving news of her victory at the Republican headquarters on Main Street, Giegler said, "I'm thrilled the voters showed that I really worked hard all these years."

Giegler said it has been a "Democrat wave this year," but she was glad voters were able to look at individuals, not just party lines. She added, "I'm just elated that we got through."

At Democrat headquarters, also on Main Street, Melillo said, "Obviously we're disappointed. I still feel we need a change in the 138th."

He added "the voters have spoken," and promised to continue his political career.

"I've been in public service all my life. It's not time to change that," said Melillo, 57, a former Danbury police captain.

Giegler, 59, was first elected state representative in 2002. She had a 100 percent voting record in 2007 and 2008, and Tuesday night she vowed to continue that record.

Her accomplishments include initiating lane realignment and sign changes to address safety issues on I-84, getting a light on Clapboard Ridge Road by Danbury High School, and helping to secure $150,000 to establish a health center at Rogers Park Middle School.